2-week round trip through Panama with a backpack

General Information

A visit to the San Blas Islands is only possible by booking a complete package, because the islands are managed by indigenous natives completely autonomously and independently of Panama. We booked from Germany through Panama Travel United. It costs 210 $ p.p.There are different price ranges and you have to do some research. In addition to the classic "large" islands, there are also small islands on which only up to 8 tourists can stay at the same time. Our island was called Nubesidub Cabanas and had a total of 3 cabins with 4 beds each. There isn't much to do on the islands per se other than lounge on the beach. Usually the hosts offer snorkeling tours or excursions to neighboring islands.

Accommodation

Cabañas Isla Nubesidub San Blas, El Porvenir, Guna Yala, Panama

Three meals are included. A lot of geckos live in the huts and they like to go to bed at night. A mosquito net offers a little protection.

Activities and Sights

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San Blas Beach

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General Information

Accommodation

Hotel Pensión Corona, Panama City, Panama

Activities and Sights

General Information

Boquete is a beautiful, small village in the middle of rainforests with numerous hiking trails. There is a large main street and a slightly larger supermarket. But there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. To get to the respective starting points for the hikes, you have to take a bus / van. There is a central bus stop from which all buses depart. The best thing to do is to ask yourself which bus to get on. For the way back you have to wait until a bus passes by and takes you back to town. Some trails may only be done with a guide. In the Hostal Mamallena you can get comprehensive information and book tours.

Accommodation

Hostal Garden by Refugio del Rio, Boquete, Panama

Nice and well-kept hostel in a central location with a communal kitchen

Activities and Sights

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Pipeline Trail

Relatively short and easy hiking trail along pipes to a beautiful waterfall. We walked about 2 hours in total. To get to the starting point of the trail, you have to take the bus.

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Stroll through the city

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Sendero los Quetzales Trail

Very long and strenuous hike (approx. 5 hours) to the viewpoint. You have to cross a river and there is no bridge (take off your shoes!). You can do the tour independently without a guide if you are fit. There is the possibility to go further (after the lookout point), but you are not allowed to do so on your own. At the starting point of the hike there is a registration and you put yourself in a list. When you are back you have to log out again. It is best to put on long clothes and take a mosquito repellent with you.

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Visit to a coffee plantation

We booked the tour through Hostel Mamallena.

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General Information

Accommodation

Mamallena Hotel, Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

Nice hostel with a great terrace directly above the sea with access to the water. Every morning you can prepare your own pancakes in the outdoor kitchen, the dough is provided by the hostel. In the evenings there are occasional parties / music. There is a pool table and cozy sitting areas and sun loungers by the sea.

Activities and Sights

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Beach

Since our hostel did not have its own jetty, we walked to the hostel "Selina" to take a water taxi to the beach opposite (Bibi's restaurant). We have arranged a pick-up time directly.

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Tour "ZAPATILLA ADVENTURE"

We booked this tour directly at our hostel. Unfortunately we had very bad weather that day, so we were only out and about in the rain.

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Red Frog Beach, Bastimentos Island, Panama

Very beautiful and wild beach. The waves were unfortunately too strong to go swimming, but that was certainly also due to the time of year. We were there all alone.

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General Information

Since we only had one day left to visit the city, we organized a driver for the day who drove us everywhere.

Accommodation

Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel, Vía Argentina, Panama City, Panama

Great hotel with infinity pool on the roof terrace

Activities and Sights

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Panama Canal, Panama

You can visit the Panama Canal from practice and visit the associated museum.

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Visit of the old town

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Ancon Hill, Panama City, Panama

From here you have a great view of the city. The ascent is not very strenuous and easy to do. On the way up you can see a lot of large spiders in the trees

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